South Carolina Car Insurance Requirements
South Carolina law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance plus uninsured motorist coverage:
- $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 property damage liability per accident
- $25,000/$50,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage
South Carolina's property damage minimum ($25,000) is higher than many states, helping cover the cost of newer vehicles. The state also requires uninsured motorist coverage, though you can reject it in writing.
Reality check: About 16% of South Carolina drivers are uninsured—one of the highest rates in the nation. Rejecting UM coverage puts you at serious financial risk. Most experts recommend keeping UM coverage and increasing limits to 100/300/100.
If you cause an accident that exceeds your liability limits, you're personally responsible for the remaining costs. Higher limits protect your assets and future earnings.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage in South Carolina
South Carolina requires uninsured motorist (UM) coverage at 25/50 minimum limits, matching your bodily injury liability coverage. You can reject it in writing, but given South Carolina's 16% uninsured rate, this is extremely unwise.
What UM covers: If you're hit by a driver without insurance or a hit-and-run driver, your UM coverage pays for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Why South Carolina drivers need UM: With roughly 1 in 6 drivers uninsured, the odds of being hit by an uninsured driver are significantly higher than the national average. UM coverage is inexpensive protection you can't afford to skip.
Smart move: Instead of rejecting UM coverage, consider increasing it beyond the minimum. If you have 100/300 liability limits, get 100/300 UM coverage to match. The cost difference is minimal for crucial protection.
Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage: This optional add-on covers you if the at-fault driver has insurance but not enough to cover your damages. Highly recommended given South Carolina's high uninsured rate.
Proof of Insurance in South Carolina
South Carolina drivers must carry proof of insurance at all times. Acceptable forms include:
- Insurance ID card (physical or digital)
- Insurance policy document
- Electronic proof of insurance on your phone
Digital proof of insurance is legal in South Carolina. You can show a photo or app on your phone during a traffic stop or after an accident.
Penalties for driving without insurance: First offense: $100-$200 fine, license and registration suspension, $5 reinstatement fee per day without insurance. Subsequent offenses: Higher fines ($550-$1,100), longer suspensions, and SR-22 filing requirements.
Costly mistake: South Carolina charges a $5 per day reinstatement fee for the period you drove without insurance. If you're caught after 100 days uninsured, that's a $500 fee on top of fines and SR-22 costs.
Average Car Insurance Costs in South Carolina
South Carolina drivers pay an average of $1,598 per year for full coverage car insurance, or about $133 per month. Minimum coverage averages around $520 per year.
Rates vary by location:
City rate examples (average full coverage):
• Charleston: $1,745/year
• Columbia: $1,623/year
• Greenville: $1,534/year
• Myrtle Beach: $1,698/year
• Spartanburg: $1,512/year
Coastal areas have higher rates due to hurricane risk.
Factors that affect your South Carolina car insurance rate include your ZIP code and city, driving record (accidents, tickets, DUIs), age and driving experience, credit score (South Carolina allows credit-based pricing), vehicle make, model, and age, annual mileage, coverage limits and deductibles, and available discounts.
The only way to know your actual rate is to compare personalized quotes from multiple carriers.
Coverage Options Beyond the Minimum
South Carolina's minimum coverage includes liability and UM, but consider adding these coverages for better protection:
Underinsured Motorist (UIM): Covers you if the at-fault driver has insurance but not enough to cover your damages. Given South Carolina's high uninsured rate, many drivers also carry insufficient coverage. Highly recommended.
Comprehensive Coverage: Covers theft, vandalism, fire, weather damage (hurricanes, flooding), and animal strikes. Important for coastal residents and those in hurricane zones. Recommended if: Your car is worth more than a few thousand dollars.
Collision Coverage: Pays for damage to your car after an accident, regardless of fault. Recommended if: Your car is worth more than your deductible.
Medical Payments (MedPay): Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of fault. Common limits: $1,000-$10,000. Can supplement health insurance.
Rental Reimbursement: Covers rental car costs while your vehicle is being repaired. Typical cost: $15-$30/year for $30/day coverage.
Roadside Assistance: Covers towing, flat tire changes, lockouts, and jump-starts. Typical cost: $10-$25/year.
SR-22 Insurance in South Carolina
An SR-22 is not a type of insurance—it's a certificate your insurer files with the South Carolina DMV proving you carry liability insurance. South Carolina requires SR-22 after:
- DUI or DWI conviction
- Driving without insurance
- Multiple at-fault accidents or traffic violations
- License suspension or revocation
- Accumulation of excessive points on your driving record
The SR-22 filing fee is typically $25-$50, but your insurance premiums will increase significantly—often by 50-80%—because you're now classified as high-risk.
How long do you need SR-22 in South Carolina? Typically 3 years from the date of conviction or license reinstatement. If your policy lapses during this period, your insurer notifies the DMV and your license is suspended again.
Pro tip: Not all carriers offer SR-22 filings. If you need SR-22, compare quotes from GEICO, Progressive, State Farm, and regional carriers that specialize in high-risk drivers.
South Carolina-Specific Car Insurance Laws
South Carolina is an at-fault state: The driver who causes an accident is responsible for damages. You can file a claim with the at-fault driver's insurance or sue them directly.
Mandatory uninsured motorist coverage: South Carolina requires UM coverage as part of minimum insurance. You can reject it in writing, but given the 16% uninsured rate, this is strongly discouraged.
Credit score usage: South Carolina allows insurers to use credit-based insurance scores when setting rates. Improving your credit can significantly lower your premiums.
Point system: South Carolina uses a point system for traffic violations. Points increase your insurance rates and can lead to license suspension.
How to Save Money on South Carolina Car Insurance
South Carolina car insurance rates are moderate, but you can reduce your premium with these proven strategies:
1. Compare quotes from multiple carriers. Rates vary by hundreds of dollars between insurers for identical coverage. Get personalized quotes here.
2. Bundle policies. Combine auto and home or renters insurance for 10-25% off your total premium.
3. Increase your deductible. Raising your collision and comprehensive deductible from $500 to $1,000 can cut your premium by 15-25%.
4. Maintain a clean driving record. Avoid tickets and at-fault accidents. South Carolina's point system can significantly increase your rates.
5. Improve your credit score. South Carolina allows credit-based insurance scoring. Better credit = lower premiums.
6. Ask about low-mileage discounts. If you drive fewer than 7,500 miles per year, you may qualify for reduced rates.
7. Install anti-theft devices. Car alarms and GPS tracking can reduce comprehensive coverage costs.
8. Take a defensive driving course. Some insurers offer discounts for completing approved courses.
9. Ask about available discounts. Good student, multi-car, paid-in-full, and paperless billing discounts can add up quickly.
Best Car Insurance Companies in South Carolina
South Carolina has dozens of insurers competing for business. Some consistently rank higher for price, customer service, and claims handling:
Top-rated insurers in South Carolina (2025-2026):
• State Farm: Largest market share, strong local agent network
• GEICO: Competitive rates, especially for good drivers
• Progressive: Good for high-risk drivers, Snapshot program
• USAA: Best for military members and families (membership required)
• Nationwide: Solid pricing and customer service
• Allstate: Good coverage options, local agents
• Farm Bureau: Competitive rates for rural South Carolina drivers
The "best" insurer depends on your specific profile and location. Always compare quotes from at least 3-5 carriers to find the best rate for your situation.
South Carolina Car Insurance Checklist
Use this checklist to ensure you're properly covered in South Carolina:
- Carry South Carolina's required coverage: 25/50/25 liability + 25/50 UM
- Don't reject uninsured motorist coverage (16% of drivers are uninsured)
- Consider increasing limits to 100/300/100 for better protection
- Add underinsured motorist coverage to match your liability limits
- Add comprehensive coverage if you live in coastal areas (hurricane risk)
- Keep proof of insurance in your vehicle or on your phone
- Compare quotes annually or after major life changes
- Review coverage when buying a new car or moving
- If you need SR-22, shop around—rates vary dramatically
- Bundle auto and home/renters insurance for 10-25% savings
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina Car Insurance
South Carolina requires 25/50/25 liability plus uninsured motorist: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 bodily injury per accident, $25,000 property damage, and $25,000/$50,000 uninsured motorist coverage. UM can be rejected in writing but is not recommended.
South Carolina drivers pay an average of $1,598 per year for full coverage, or about $133 per month. Minimum coverage averages around $520 per year. Coastal areas have higher rates.
No. South Carolina is an at-fault state, meaning the driver responsible for an accident is liable for damages. You file claims with the at-fault driver's insurance.
Yes. South Carolina requires uninsured motorist coverage at 25/50 minimum limits. You can reject it in writing, but with 16% of drivers uninsured, this is extremely unwise.
SR-22 is not insurance—it's a certificate proving you carry liability insurance. South Carolina requires SR-22 after DUI convictions, driving without insurance, or multiple violations. Filing costs $25-$50, but your rates will increase 50-80%.
Yes. South Carolina allows insurers to use credit-based insurance scores when setting rates. Improving your credit can significantly lower your premiums.
If caught driving without insurance, South Carolina charges a $5 per day reinstatement fee for the period you were uninsured, in addition to fines and SR-22 costs. This can add hundreds to your penalties.
Yes. South Carolina allows digital proof of insurance. You can show an insurance ID card on your phone during traffic stops or after accidents.
Driving without insurance results in $100-$1,100 fines, license and registration suspension, $5 per day reinstatement fee, and potential SR-22 filing requirements. You're also personally liable for all damages if you cause an accident.